Obama goes after McCain's health care plan,calling it "radical"

[cal04]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27020325/

Barack Obama launched a multifaceted attack on presidential rival John McCain's health care proposal Saturday, elevating an issue that has been on the back burner in the White House race but remains a top concern for voters.

Obama planned to criticize McCain's plan to tax health care benefits as "radical" during an event in Newport News, Virginia, while his campaign echoed the message in four new television ads, four separate mailers targeted to swing state voters, radio commercials and events in every battleground state.

The McCain plan would be a dramatic change to the way Americans get health insurance. The Republican presidential nominee, who makes opposition to tax hikes a centerpiece of his campaign, has proposed to tax the health benefits that 156 million people get through the workplace as income. In exchange, McCain would give tax credits to help pay for insurance — $2,500 for individuals and $5,000 for families, paid directly to the insurer they choose.

"On health care, John McCain promises a tax credit," an announcer says in one of Obama's new ads, over images of families examining their bills. "But here's what he won't tell you: McCain would make you pay taxes on your health benefits, taxing your health care for the first time ever, raising costs for employers who offer health care so your coverage could be reduced or dropped completely. You won't find one word about it on his Web site, but the McCain tax could cost you thousands or even your health care. Can you afford it?"

[marimour]

1. good. This is my #1 issue and it is a winner against McCain.

[Igel]

2. The inconsistency isn't good.

Now "radical", now "four more years of the same from McSame".

It's the same thing I thought when I saw some NYT columnist use the word to describe McCain: "This message will self-desconstruct in 10 seconds."

[WinkyDink]

3. BUSH IS A RADICAL. There is NO discrepancy here. Habeas corpus? Torture? "Signing statements"?

[crossroads]

4. Under McSames health plan....

If you get sick, just bend over and kiss your ass goodbye!

[cal04]

5. Updated

 Democrat Barack Obama sharply criticized Republican John McCain's health care proposals Saturday, saying they could force millions of Americans to struggle to buy medical insurance.

Turning to an issue that has faded somewhat during the economic crisis, Obama gave an unusually detailed outline of his own plans in a 40-minute speech to thousands of sun-soaked Virginians at a waterside park in Newport News. He would make coverage more affordable to most Americans, he said, paying for the subsidies largely by canceling the Bush administration's tax cuts for people making more than $250,000 a year.

In a sign that the presidential campaign's final month may have a nastier tone, Obama called McCain's health plan "radical," and Republican officials accused Obama of lying.

(snip)
"The time has come," Obama said, "to solve this problem, to cut health care costs for families and businesses, and provide affordable, accessible health insurance for every American."

He devoted at least half his speech to criticizing McCain. The Republican nominee has proposed to tax the health benefits that 156 million people get through the workplace as income. In exchange, McCain would give tax credits to help pay for insurance — $2,500 for individuals and $5,000 for families, paid directly to the insurer they choose.